There are many young people who would love the chance to go on a hunting trip in Arizona, and there are many fine sportsmen’s and other organizations that help provide that opportunity. But for a special group of youngsters—those diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses—that dream has a heightened sense of importance and urgency. A unique organization called Hunt of a Lifetime helps them realize their dream.

The organization’s founding
Hunt of a Lifetime is a national nonprofit organization that provides hunting and fishing adventures to children who have been diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions. It was founded by Tina and Chester Pattison, a Pennsylvania couple whose 19-year-old son Matthew died of cancer in 1999.

Matt’s wish before he died was to hunt moose in Canada. The Pattisons contacted the national Make-A-Wish Foundation, but they were told the organization was no longer granting requests for hunting trips. A local outfitter in a small town in Alberta, Canada heard about the young man’s situation. The outfitter offered to provide the hunt for free, and a number of other people pitched in to provide transportation and provisions. Matt got to go on his hunt, and he harvested a moose. He died the following spring.

After Matt’s passing, Tina spread the word about how everyone’s efforts had positively affected her son. The anticipation and enjoyment associated with the hunt had done wonders for his spirit. She knew that other families might have the same needs. Through her efforts and the donated services and financial assistance of many other individuals and organizations, the nonprofit Hunt of a Lifetime Foundation was founded.

Arizona’s “compassionate transfer” law
Arizona had a Hunt of a Lifetime chapter, but it was limited in what it could do because the state had no provision to transfer donated tags. This changed last year due to the efforts of a sportsman named Terry Petko, who was the catalyst for changing Arizona law so a donated tag could be used by a youngster with a life-threatening medical condition.

“About five years ago, a friend of mine called to see if I could help take a terminally ill youth on a hunt in Arizona,” says Petko. “I contacted Tice Supplee, then the game chief at the Arizona Game and Fish Department, to see if we could get a donated tag. Tice told me there wasn’t a way to do that type of transfer at that time, and it would require a legislative change.”

Despite no experience in the legislative process, Petko began researching how to introduce and lobby a bill. He found a sponsor in Rep. Andy Biggs of District 22. The proposed legislation, known as the “compassionate transfer” bill, would allow an individual to donate his/her big game hunt tag to a qualified 501(c)(3) organization for use by a minor child with a life-threatening medical condition. The transfer would be facilitated by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

The bill made it part-way through the legislative process two years ago but stalled. It was reintroduced last year, was passed by the Legislature, and was signed into law in April 2005 by Gov. Janet Napolitano.

Dedicated contributors
Petko’s efforts led to his being offered the position of “ambassador,” or local representative, of Arizona’s Hunt of a Lifetime chapter. He says Arizona’s program last year put seven kids on different hunts for elk, mule deer and even bighorn sheep.

Petko gives credit for the program’s success to the efforts of many people. “A lot of dedicated sportsmen and women donate their time and services to this program,” he says. “We have guides and outfitters who offer to lead or help out with the hunts. Other sportsmen donate money and equipment.”

Petko also says success wouldn’t be possible without the efforts of the “Team Arizona” members of the Arizona chapter: Stephanie Rainey (videography/photography); Don Martin (guide and outfitter coordinator); Terry Herndon (public information officer); Chris Denham (field editor); Dick King (regulatory liaison); Carla Denham (medical liaison); and Debra Petko (secretary/treasurer).

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission recently voted to honor Petko and the Arizona Chapter of Hunt of a Lifetime with an Award of Excellence. The award will be presented at the annual Meet the Commission awards in January.

Petko feels the program has enriched the volunteers’ lives in many ways. “When you see the amazing courage these kids have in dealing with adversity, it is truly inspirational,” he says. “Seeing the smiles on those young faces when they go on their hunts touches everyone involved. We live for those smiles.”

To find out more information about Hunt of a Lifetime, visit hoalarizona.org or contact Terry Petko at (602) 689-9524. If you have a big game tag you will be unable to use and wish to donate, you can do that through the Web site. The site also includes photos and stories from past hunts.